US persuaded Israel, additional meeting expected in the latter half of this week,
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with US Secretary of State Tony Blinken in Jerusalem on the 19th local time. GPO/ Yonhap News,
, ‘Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who met with US Secretary of State Tony Blinken, hinted at the possibility of ceasefire negotiations with Hamas. Secretary Blinken pressured Hamas by stating, “Hamas also has an obligation to accept and support mediation proposals.”.’,
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, ‘On the 19th local time, the Office of the Israeli Prime Minister issued a statement saying, “We had an important meeting with Secretary Blinken. We are very grateful for the efforts the United States is making for regional security. It is important for Israel as well.” Netanyahu emphasized that the joint effort for hostage release is a top priority, expressing gratitude for the United States’ efforts to ensure Israel’s security. In a post-meeting press conference, Secretary Blinken said, “As the war continues, there is a higher likelihood that more hostages will suffer and die, and other things that can make the situation impossible will happen.”‘,
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, ‘After the meeting between Prime Minister Netanyahu and Secretary Blinken, the US State Department also issued a statement saying, “Israel has accepted and supported mediation proposals from the US and others. Hamas also has the same obligation.” Secretary Blinken is set to visit Cairo, Egypt next.’,
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, ‘Since the start of the Gaza war in October last year, ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas have been ongoing. After the ceasefire negotiations in Doha, Qatar, concluded on the 16th, the US, along with Qatar and Egypt as mediators, announced through a joint statement that “President Joe Biden presented a bridging proposal that aligns with the ceasefire principles he laid out on May 31 and UN Security Council Resolution 2735.” President Biden reportedly proposed a three-phase agreement including a 6-week ceasefire, release of Israeli hostages, and Israeli troop withdrawal. Hamas expressed support for this mediation proposal, but after Secretary Blinken’s visit to Israel on the 19th, they issued another statement rejecting it, accusing Prime Minister Netanyahu of blocking the mediation proposal. An additional meeting is scheduled to take place in Cairo, Egypt in the latter half of this week.’,
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